Knowledge Share
Discover the latest news, publications, and insights from ADW Developments.
Financing Sustainable Construction: The Rise of Green Mortgages
As we have explored in our previous articles, financing the shift to sustainable construction is no longer just a policy goal. It’s becoming a financial reality. Investors and lenders are increasingly backing projects that deliver both environmental and economic...
Decoding Whole Life Carbon Assessment for Sustainable Buildings
We’ve previously discussed the importance of carbon assessments in shaping a more sustainable built environment. Building on that foundation, Whole Life Carbon Assessment (WLCA) takes this understanding a step further. It provides a comprehensive framework for...
Decarbonising Existing Buildings: A Critical Path to Net Zero
Achieving net zero by 2050 puts the spotlight firmly on our existing buildings. While new, energy-efficient developments get plenty of attention, the majority of the building stock that will exist in 2050 is already here. This presents a significant challenge, and an...
Why Material Durability Matters in Sustainable Construction
In our Knowledge Share, we have already discussed Material Adaptability in Sustainable Construction and The Importance of Durability and Resilience in Construction, and today, we will explore the crucial role of material durability. A sustainable built environment...
Climate Change Adaptation in the Built Environment
Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it is a present reality, already evident in extreme and unpredictable weather patterns that strain communities, infrastructure, and the environment. From rising temperatures and shifting rainfall to increasing sea levels,...
The Importance of Durability and Resilience in Construction
Durability and resilience are essential for buildings to withstand climate extremes, resource pressures, and shifting user needs. Today's Knowledge Share explores how robust materials, resilient design, and adaptable systems can reduce Whole Life Carbon, preserve...
Material Adaptability in Sustainable Construction
How do we create buildings that meet today’s needs and also stay relevant in the future? Rapid technological change, shifting social priorities, and the growing impacts of climate change make this question urgent. The answer is not just durable or low-carbon...
Life Cycle Costing for Long-Term Value in Construction
In the construction industry, financial decisions are often shaped by immediate costs. Yet, achieving truly sustainable buildings requires a longer-term perspective, one that accounts for how a development will perform, operate, and evolve across its entire lifespan....
The Power of Circular Economy Statements in Construction
The construction industry is one of the world’s most resource-intensive sectors, consuming large quantities of materials and producing considerable waste. For decades, the focus has been on delivering projects quickly and efficiently, often with limited consideration...
Policy and Regulatory Drivers for Whole Life Carbon in the UK Built Environment
The UK’s commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 places the built environment under growing pressure to cut carbon. Historically, policy has focused on operational emissions from heating, cooling, and lighting buildings. But as buildings...
The Importance of Security Needs Assessments and SABRE in Construction
Security is a fundamental part of modern building design and construction.Project teams must consider it from the earliest stages to protect occupants and assets, safeguard sensitive information, and ensure business continuity. Effective security goes far beyond...
Unlocking Building Performance with Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE)
In building design and construction, success is measured not just by completing a project. But also by how well it performs once occupied. The real test begins when people move in and use the space. Consequently, Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE) becomes invaluable....
What is a +A2 EPD? Understanding the New Standard for Environmental Product Declarations
If you're involved in sustainability-led construction, procurement, or life cycle assessment (LCA), understanding the transition to +A2 EPDs is critical. Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are becoming the common language for assessing the environmental...
UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard 2025: Complete Guide – Part 3
Welcome to our comprehensive guide to the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard. If you missed our earlier features, you can catch up on Part 1 and Part 2. In this final instalment, Part 3, we will discuss real-world examples and key benchmarks, timelines,...
UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard 2025: Complete Guide – Part 2
As promised last week, we continue our focus on the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard (NZCBS) 2025. In today’s article, we first break down the types of emissions it covers, the life cycle reporting requirements, current performance limits, and the key design and...
UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard 2025: Complete Guide – Part 1
Are you a building owner, developer, or sustainability professional navigating the path to net zero? This post breaks down the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard (NZCBS) into clear, actionable insights to help you understand its impact and prepare for compliance....
BREEAM V7 Is Here. Let’s Make Sure You Actually Get the Credits
BREEAM UK New Construction Version 7 isn’t just another update. It’s a signal that sustainability compliance is tightening and that planning success, ESG funding and performance credibility now go hand in hand.For developers, architects and project managers, it means...
BREEAM UK New Construction V7 Launch
Navigating BREEAM V7: Our Approach to Whole Life Thinking BREEAM UK New Construction Version 7 introduces several updates that reflect current priorities in sustainable building. These include stronger emphasis on whole life carbon, durability, responsible procurement...
How One Inline Component Can Reduce Energy Demand and Improve BREEAM Performance
1. Introduction The Halcyan Water Conditioner is a passive, inline water-treatment unit that modifies mineral-ion behaviour to prevent limescale deposition. Unlike traditional softeners or magnetic systems, it requires no electricity, chemical dosing, or ongoing...
Technical Information Paper: Embodied Carbon in Enterprise Data Centre IT Equipment
1. Introduction Enterprise data centres are a critical component of digital infrastructure, yet they carry a substantial embodied carbon footprint. This paper evaluates the embodied carbon of IT equipment in data centres, focusing on Lifecycle Stages A1–A5 (raw...
Home Quality Mark to Become BREEAM UK New Construction: Residential – What You Need to Know
In a significant update for the UK residential construction sector, the Home Quality Mark (HQM) will transition to BREEAM UK New Construction: Residential from April 2025. This change is part of the Building Research Establishment (BRE)'s commitment to enhancing...
What Are Material Passports?
One of the most important resources we have in any battle is information. Our battle against climate change is no different. Our knowledge of the materials or products we use is vital in understanding how best to use these resources, and even how they can be reused....
How Carbon Capture Materials Work And Current Challenges For Implementation
Many people believe that Carbon Capture Materials are key pieces of the puzzle when it comes to effective and long-term environmental stewardship. Certainly, in the long-term, this does seem to be the case, although, still with some challenges and hurdles to be...
What Is Net Zero 2050 And Is It Feasible?
Net Zero 2050 refers to a global goal to achieve a balance between the greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted into the atmosphere and those removed from it by the year 2050. This target is crucial to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, as outlined in...
Net Zero And The Construction Industry
Understanding Net Zero Net Zero is the balance between the amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted into the atmosphere and the amount removed from it. Achieving Net Zero emissions is crucial in global climate strategies, particularly under frameworks like the Paris...
What is the Whole Life Carbon Roadmap UK?
The Whole Life Carbon Roadmap UK represents a strategic framework aimed at systematically addressing carbon emissions from the built environment throughout the entirety of a building’s lifecycle. This includes emissions arising from the production of building...
What Is Whole Life Carbon And How Is It Assessed?
"Whole Life Carbon" (WLC) refers to the total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with a building or infrastructure project throughout its entire lifecycle. WLC plays a crucial role in promoting sustainability in the construction industry. This concept includes...
What Are Dynamic EPDs And How Do They Differ From (Static) EPDs?
Dynamic Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) represent a significant innovation within the construction industry, offering a flexible and contemporary approach to assessing the environmental impact of building products. These differ markedly from traditional...
What Are The 7 Principles Of Sustainability In Construction?
The 7 principles of sustainability in construction are essential guidelines aimed at minimizing environmental impact, optimizing resource use, and creating healthy, resilient buildings. These principles are: 1. Energy Efficiency This principle focuses on reducing...
What Are The 3 Pillars Of Sustainability In Construction?
The 3 pillars of sustainability in construction, often referred to as the Triple Bottom Line, encompass environmental, economic, and social sustainability. Each pillar plays a crucial role in ensuring that construction projects contribute positively to the...